Spiritual Journey Insights

Parable :-   The Persistent Widow Scripture Portion :-  Luke 18:1-8 Observations The main observations:- Jesus told his disciples a story. To show disciples that they should always pray and never give up. There was a judge in a certain city. He neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly for justice. She had some dispute with her enemy. The judge ignored her for a while. Finally the judge was tired and he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” Jesus told them to learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Judge gave a just decision in the end.  God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night. He will not keep putting them off and will grant justice to them quickly. Jesus also asked a question.When he returns, how ma...

Parable :-   The Pharisee and the Tax Collector  Scripture Portion :-  Luke 18:9-14 Observations Some of the main observations:- Jesus told this story to some people who had great confidence in their own righteousness. They scorned everyone else. Two men went to the Temple to pray.  One was a Pharisee. The other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed like this - "I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income." But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed.  He beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  Jesus told that the sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God.  Jesus also told that those who exalt themselves ...

Parable :-  Two Builders, Wise and Foolish Scripture Portion :-  Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49 Observations :- The parable follows what Jesus told about last judgement when many will come say about what they did and Jesus will not accept or acknowledge them. They did miracles and wonders. They drive out demons and prophesied in Jesus name. Jesus says that those who hear the words and put them into practice is like a wise builder who built his house upon the rock. When wind and storms came against it, it stood still. Those who hear and not practice are like a man who build his house upon sand. He is called a foolish man. When wind and storms came, this house fell with a great crash. Practical Lessons :- I need to make sure that I am building my house on the rock on a daily basis. Anyone who hears the teachings of Jesus and follows them is wise. Solid foundation will mean obedience on daily basis. Anyone who hears and ignore is foolish. So following the teachings of Je...

We have started a new series on parables taught by Jesus in one of our Care Cell.  As we go through these parables, I am trying to find some practical application to make it more meaning for personal life. I want to start a series 'Parable Lessons' to share what we learn from each parable. I will try to add some observations also. General information about parables- Parable :- The Sower and the Soil Scripture Portion :-   Mark 4:3-9; Matt 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-8 Observations :-  The farmer went out to sow his seed.  Seeds fell at different places.  As he sowed,  some fell  along the road , and it was trampled under foot,  and the birds of the sky devoured it. O ther seed fell  on the rock , and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture. Other fell  amid the thorns , and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. Other fell  into the good ground , and grew, and brought forth fruit one hundred ...

Note:-  I started this post long time ago and it was in draft.  Saw it and thought of sharing. Last year I went on a ministry trip to India. I got the opportunity to meet and spend time with many people who are doing great work for the Lord. Wanted to share few lessons I learned which I also shared with my church. Hindrances cannot stop you from accomplishing God’s purpose. Give your best to God and you will enjoy God's peace and joy in your life. Challenges are there but God is in control. Prepared for Ministry in Jail? Someone told me this. You should be willing to go and do ministry in any place God sends you. God uses weak people also for His glory. God works beyond our imagination. There are things which are just beyond human understanding and explanation. Secret of faithful ministry- Prayer, Faith & desire to see hand of God moving among us. I spoke about it in our church and audio link is  http://mnpassembly.org/messages/0505...

Let me start by saying that I am not writing this to start any debate on this issue since it has many aspects and I don't think we need to waste our time looking into all aspects. Last weekend was Easter weekend and many sites today had news items related to how Easter holidays are changed into Spring Bunny. On Easter Sunday, Google chose to honor an iconic figure on its front page –called the "doodle"– which of course is viewed by millions around the world.  Many would have expected that figure to be Jesus, or perhaps something related to Easter. "Merry Christmas" is no more valid and its "Happy Holidays".  I heard a story that someone who came to US from a different country was asked to go for counselling because he was again and again using "Merry Christmas" and its offensive. Good Friday is no longer a holiday.  It's a holiday in a country like India but I worked on that day in US.  I don't want to elaborate on these points...

Summary of Day 3 God uses ordinary for extraordinary work. Example Moses, David etc Your background doesn't matter for you to serve God. He can change you life. Be an over-comer of the circumstances that stand against you. When we take a step of faith, God will work in advance. You have to move forward even when obstructions are there. Be an over-comer of disappointments in your life. Be an over-comer of doubt in your life. Be a witness. I can conclude that it was a great time sitting in God's presence and listening from the word of God.